Mathieu Flamini | Midfielder

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Mathieu Flamini has recovered from a hamstring injury and should be available for action against West Ham United in Week 29 action.

That Flamini is available is good news for Arsene Wenger because he lacks depth in the holding role. That said, it is unlikely that Flamini will supplant Francis Coquelin who has been very good since taking over the starting holding midfield role from the combination of Mikel Arteta and Flamini. Expect Flamini to be a reserve and only to figure if Coquelin is injured or Arsenal make a defensive substitute to defend a lead late in the match. Mar 13 - 12:01 PM

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Mathieu Flamini will be available for this weekends’ derby game against West Ham at the Emirates but despite "good progress" from Jack Wilshere the England international has not joined the main group in training.

The Gunners will also be without the services of winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain because of a hamstring strain although the club are still waiting for the results of his scan to confirm the extent of the tear – initial reports suggest in the region of a month. The fit-again Aaron Ramsey is a replacement option along with Theo Walcott who has been waiting patiently in the wings – Tomas Rosicky has also recovered from illness. Gabriel Paulista could return earlier than expected following a thigh injury – the Brazilian should be back in training on Sunday and the defender will be assessed before the Champions League tie in Monaco. Mar 12 - 8:58 AM

Mathieu Flamini, pushed to the bench by Francis Coquelin's emergence, faces a late fitness test on a tight hamstring ahead of Saturday's match against Crystal Palace.

Flamini was likely targeted for a role on the bench again after stepping back into the starting line-up for Sunday's FA Cup win over Middlesbrough. Francis Coquelin is healthy and has been the starter when healthy since his return from his loan at Charlton. With Calum Chambers potentially deputizing for Hector Bellerin, there is some question as to who might fill in for Coquelin if Flamini can't go. Perhaps Gabriel slots in to the holding midfield role if things go horribly wrong for the Gunners with injuries on Saturday. Feb 19 - 1:49 PM

17-year-old holding midfield prospect Krystian Bielik will fly to London Friday for a medical ahead of a move to the Emirates from Legia Warsaw.

The rising Polish star is the next in a long line of "Next Patrick Vieira" signings that Arsenal have made since the original left the club. At 6'2", the Polish youth international has only played five times in the Polish first division so supporters should be viewing this as "one for the future" more so than a quick fix for Arsenal's current needs at either holding midfielder, his natural position, or central defender. This may end up being a strong signing but it shouldn't stop Wenger from going in for Morgan Schneiderlin, William Carvalho, Winston Reid or any of the other experienced targets he has been linked to. Jan 15 - 9:55 AM